Analytic Philosophy

Analytic Ethics

What is the difference between a moral system and a moral theory?

A moral system specifies principles according to which people should act, such as deontological or duty ethics, utilitarianism, or virtue ethics. A moral theory is an account of basic moral terms such as “good” or “evil” and the nature of moral judgments and arguments. Moral theorists may also compare different moral systems.

We all have times when we feel conflict within ourselves. In ordinary life, ethics has to do with how we make good versus bad judgments regarding public behavior, whereas morals deals with this conflict on a personal level (iStock).